DOLLY Parton is doing better than she thought she would following the death of her husband.
Carl Dean died at age 82 on March 3, and Parton has revealed how she is coping with life without her long-term partner.
Speaking to Knox News, Parton said: “I’m doing better than I thought I would.
“I’ve been with him 60 years. So, I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close.”
The Jolene hit maker – who married Dean in 1966 – said her late husband “suffered a great deal” before he died.
But Parton is now “at peace that he’s at peace”.
“(It’s) a hole in my heart, you know, but we’ll fill that up with good stuff and he’ll still always be with me.”
The 79-year-old star said on Instagram at the time of her husband’s death: “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.
Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.
“The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Dean made a concerted effort to keep a low profile during his life, and Parton previously admitted they were “completely opposite” characters.
The country music icon told People in 2015: “They say that opposites attract, and it’s true. We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun.
“I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me.”
She said her husband was a good man – “a deep person”.
“But he has a great and warped sense of humour,” she said. “He makes me laugh and entertains me.”
